Larry (Stiller) is an unaccomplished dreamer. He has grand ideas but never
gets them to work out and with that has earned himself a divorce and a gradually
worsening relationship with his young son.

Determined to put things right he decides to take the first stable job that
comes along; night security at the Museum of Natural History. Three old timers
(Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs) are being laid off and replaced with
one man because business has been slow.

But Larry wasn't told that one of the museums Egyptian artefacts carries a
magical curse with it that brings everything in the building to life from
nightfall to sun up. From the T-Rex bones in the foyer to an Easter Island head
with Huns, prehistoric men and miniature civilisation dioramas in between.

It's up to Larry (with a little help from Teddy Roosevelt (Williams) to stop
the animated displays from destroying the museum, themselves and, ultimately,
his life.

Stiller has surrounded himself with quite an ensemble of comedy talent in
this one. There's Williams representing the old school and Van Dyke and Rooney
in for the reeeeally old school. Stiller doesn't go far without bosom-buddy Owen
Wilson and there's also Steve Coogan who is slowly but surely edging his way
into the comedy fraternity. Also is Gervais making another movie notch for
himself (see: For Your Consideration coming soon!)

Each of these worthy names are given there moment to shine in their own way.
Gervais, specifically, delivers a trademark performance of inane ramblings with
aplomb and makes the most of a very understated role.

Setting itself up as a spooky film it quickly becomes apparent that it is
just going to be plain silly. Lots of slapstick, pratfalls, anarchic tomfoolery
and childish behaviour keep the story trundling along and actually take up more
time than the, otherwise, sycophantic plot of rubbish father lowering his
standards to try to make good.

Each set up for horror is twisted on its head to make it more appealing for
the younger audience from the T-rex skeleton up to the climactic encounter with
the Egyptian mummy. It's tame, it's innocent but it is harmless farm. A film to
just switch off and let these guys get on with what they're good
at.